Nails and other fasteners are coated to protect them against rust; the thickness of the zinc layer corresponds directly to how long they can resist corrosion. Extended warranties and constantly changing regulations make it more important than ever for the fastener industry to assess whether the quality of the plating meets relevant standards. A wide range of fastener products (for example, nails, screws and bolts) that are zinc coated require testing to specification. Typically, this would be on hemispherical surfaces, threaded stems or cut ends. For non-destructive testing, one can employ either high-precision X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or the more cost-effective phase-sensitive eddy current method. This method fulfils the requirements of the EN (DIN) 14592 classification. It is better suited than other electromagnetic methods because of its ability to measure electrically conductive coatings — even on rough surfaces — on a variety of substrates. It also offers great advantages in measuring small objects since the geometry of the part being measured exerts very little influence on the measurement itself. This application note from Fischer Instrumentation explains how the Phascope PMP10 instrument, used together with an ESD2.4 probe, is ideal for measuring the zinc plating on nails.

Click on the link above to download this application note.

Fischer Instrumentation

Fischer Instrumentation (GB) Ltd is based in Lymington, Hampshire, and is part of the Helmut-Fischer Group — innovative market leaders in the field of coating thickness measurement, material analysis and micro-hardness testing. With more than 60 years of continual research and development in these fields, the company is able to recommend the best measurement or coating analysis solution for any industrial or research application.

Fischer Instrumentation (GB) Ltd is based in Lymington, Hampshire, and is part of the Helmut-Fischer Group — innovative market leaders in the field of coating thickness measurement, material analysis and micro-hardness testing. With more than 60 years of continual research and development in these fields, the company is able to recommend the best measurement or coating analysis solution for any industrial or research application.

Industry expertise

Fischer Instrumentation in the UK is particularly strong in the aerospace, automotive, military and defence, electronics and finishing sectors, with an extensive instrument range suited also to the fastening industry, pipe and marine industries and paint processing.

Desktop coating thickness and material analysis

Fischer Instrumentation’s coating thickness measurement and materials analysis range encompasses highly flexbile, multifunction Fischerscope MMS PC2 bench systems and a full range of X-ray fluorescence spectrometers. Fischerscope X-ray satisfies requirements in the laboratory and in manufacturing, whether determining single or multiple coatings on the smallest structures and on large components, trace analysis required by RoHS, the testing of jewellery and gold or inline measurements in continuous production.

Handheld gauges for coating thickness and material analysis

Fischer Instrumentation offers a comprehensive range of eddy-current and magnetic-induction handhelds from budget to the high-tech FMP100 and FMP150, which have extensive measurement, evaluation and statistical functionality when used with Fischer’s probe technology and Fischer’s data centre. The Deltascope, Isoscope and Dualscope FMP10-40 ranges cover most industry and laboratory measurement and analysis needs. In addition, the Fischer MPO and MPOR offer practical shop-floor cost-efficient coating measurement capability and the Sigmascope SMP10 and Ferritescope specialist gauges determine electrical conductivity and ferrite content respectively.

Micro-hardness testing systems

Fischer Instrumentation has developed a range of nano- and micro-hardness testing systems to meet more challenging laboratory needs and to exceed the requirements of DIN ISO 14677, which specifies the method of instrumented indentation test for the determination of hardness and other materials parameters for the three ranges of macro, micro and nano.

Service

Fischer Instrumentation has a heritage of excellent service and dedicated service engineers are on hand to maintain the Fischer instrument range. Fischer Instrumentation also offers remote servicing and telephone help.